# Which numbers matter

Course: [Analytics Without the Paranoia](https://the-app.fyi/academy/analytics-without-paranoia)
Lesson 1 of 4 · 3–5 min
URL: https://the-app.fyi/academy/analytics-without-paranoia/which-metrics-matter

### Numbers that lead to a decision

Not all charts are equal. Watch the ones that lead to a decision: “what do I film next?”

> If after the number it’s unclear what to film next, that number isn’t about growth right now.

### By stage

**Start** (retention)

Retention, saves, profile visits

**Growth** (follows)

Follows from content, return visits, comments

**Monetization** (leads)

Clicks, leads, sales — not just reach

### A short “enough” list

1. Watch-through / retention on videos
2. Saves and shares
3. Profile → follow
4. Which topics keep showing up in your top

### You can check less often

- Hourly spikes
- Comparing to other people’s screenshots
- Vanity metrics with no action

> **Noise filter:** If a number doesn’t change your next move — it’s noise right now.

## Check yourself

Which approach to metrics is healthier?

1. Check every chart every hour
2. Pick a few metrics that shape your next decisions
3. Ignore stats forever
4. Only look at likes

Explanation: Analytics exist for decisions. Extra numbers with no action feed anxiety, not growth.